Fishing plea

The fishing industry this week called for management of the regulatory framework surrounding the new cod recovery plan to be scrutinised.

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) is demanding a “change of pace” due to the much tighter restrictions being placed on fishermen in light of the new regulations.

SFF chief executive Berie Armstrong said: “It will be necessary for the UK fishing administrations to get together with industry and start a dialogue with Brussels on what is possible and bearable regarding speed of movement. “Nobody is suggesting a change to the management objective – the recovery of cod – but given the progress to date, we must not stand back while sections of the industry founder, when that could and should be avoided.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the Scottish government urged the fishing industry to help formulate a new scheme for its days at sea allocation.